THE 3PM BOX

Chapter 2

I couldn’t sleep that night. The box was still there, on my desk.

I opened it again.

Inside, there was only one thing. A small folded note. My hands were shaking.

I opened it.

The handwriting was mine. But I didn’t remember writing it.

It said: "Don’t open it at 3PM."

My phone buzzed. 3:00 PM.

The lights flickered.

I stared at the note until my eyes hurt.

"Don't open it at 3PM."

But I did.

Why would I write a warning to myself and not remember it?

I checked my phone. No missed calls. No messages.

Just the time: 2:59 PM.

My heart started pounding.

Maybe it was a prank. Maybe I was tired.

But the box felt cold. Colder than the room.

2:59... 3:00...

Buzz.

The phone in my hand lit up.

But there was no notification.

The screen was black, except for the time.

Then the lights flickered again.

Once.

Twice.

And then they went out.

In the dark, I heard it.

A sound from inside the box.

Like paper rustling.

Like someone turning a page.

But the box was empty.

Wasn't it? Then the lights flickered again.

Once.

Twice.

And then they went out.

In the dark, I heard it.

A sound from inside the box.

Like paper rustling.

Like someone turning a page.

But the box was empty.

Wasn't it?